Shopping·11 min read

17 No-Fail Gifts for the Mom Who Returns Everything

gifts-for-the-mom-who-returns
Design: the Skimm | Photos: Food52, Brooklinen, Bed Bath & Beyond
April 19, 2023

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If you’ve got a selective mom on your hands, gift giving may mean thinking outside of the box. We’d like to introduce you to lots of options that are sure to wow her. Seriously — they’re so thoughtful she won’t even consider returning.

From mochi ice cream delivery (yum) to a wine subscription (hard to go wrong there), there’s something here (at all price points) for every mom who gets a bit fickle when opening up a neatly wrapped box. Cheers to watching her face when she officially decides she likes it.

Psst….Want more ideas? Check out all of our other Mother’s Day gift guides here.

homesick-candle
Bed Bath & Beyond

A candle so she knows you’re missing her…

This candle says it all thanks to the sweet ‘Thank You, Mom’ message on the front. It’s a sweet way to let her know you’re grateful for all those school lunches she packed and phone calls never missed. Plus, it’ll burn for up to 80 hours, and comes with a customized note for an extra special touch. ($38, Bed Bath & Beyond)

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pajamas
Tommy John

A pajama set that’ll be her dream come true...

Made with Tommy John’s super breathable second skin micro rib fabric, this luxuriously soft button-down top and shorts combo feels like nothing at all in the best possible way. Grab a pair for her (and one for you) in their new spring hues. Looking at you, hot pink, cabaret, and lavendula. ($120, Tommy John)*

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mochi-ice-cream
Mochidoki

A box of mochi ice cream that’ll surely make her a mochi enthusiast…

Whether she’s already obsessed with it or is a first-time taste tester, this box of 32 bites is perfect for any mom with a sweet tooth. From matcha to black sesame to strawberry, she’ll be able to test different flavors and find what she likes most. The box is packed and shipped with dry ice, guaranteeing it’ll stay frozen for up to five hours after delivery. We’ll just say this — it’s pretty hard to return a box of frozen ice cream. ($100, Mochidoki)

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robe
Brooklinen

A robe as soft and comforting as her hugs…

Once she feels how luxurious this robe is, it’ll be too hard for her to take it off. It’s made from 100% Turkish cotton, with a flat collar and wide sleeves. It’s guaranteed to stay super soft and plush, no matter how many times she throws it in the wash. It comes in eight colors, and sizes XS–XL. ($60.69+, Brooklinen)

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lounge-socks
Cozy Earth

Oprah’s favorite lounge socks…

Whether she’s more of an Oprah or a Gayle, your mom will feel ready for cozy time in these soft bamboo socks. They’re lightweight enough to wear year round, we’ve tried them and loved them, and they come in five color varieties. Psst…use code THESKIMM for 30% off sitewide until May 14. ($41.25, Cozy Earth)

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bread-box
Wildgrain

A subscription box for moms who really truly love bread…

You can choose between a mixed bread box or pastry box, the main difference being that the former also comes with delicious handmade pasta. From a classic sourdough loaf to chocolate croissants, she’ll only have to bake each item for 25 minutes max, no thawing necessary. Plus, each box comes with eight free sourdough rolls. ($89, Wildgrain)

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massage-envy
Massage Envy

A thoughtful gift that’ll help her unwind…

Give mom the gift of ME time with a Massage Envy gift card. Encourage her to put herself first by enjoying a therapeutic massage, customized facial, or assisted stretch session. If she’s all about the extras, there are plenty of enhancements to choose from like aromatherapy or an exfoliating treatment. A more refreshed and relaxed mom, coming right up. (Starting at $60, Massage Envy)*

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olive-oils
Kosterina

A trio of olive oils that’ll mentally transport her to the Grecian coast…

Made from Koroneiki olives in southern Greece, this set comes with a classic, small-batch extra-virgin olive oil, plus two flavored oils (garlic and Greek herb and lemon). She can drizzle some over pasta or use the oil as a simple marinade for chicken. We love them because neither of the flavored options is too overpowering. We’ve even used them as salad dressings to boost flavor. ($75, Kosterina)

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canvas-sneakers
Cariuma

Low-top canvas sneakers if she’s into sustainability…

These have been designed with a 100% vegan outsole, insole, organic cotton upper, and recycled plastic accessories, and have a classic look that’ll pair with any outfit. For a more elevated take, they also come in suede or leather varieties in both men’s and women’s sizes. Bonus: For every pair of sneakers purchased, the brand plants two trees in the Brazilian rainforest. ($79, Cariuma)

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felt-flowers
Food52

A bouquet of flowers she’ll be able to enjoy forever…

No matter what her favorite bouquet is, you can choose one that’ll suit her — from cherry blossoms to peonies to tea roses. The bundle will be hand-dyed, stitched, and arranged by women artisans in Nepal. The best part is that she’ll never have to worry about the blooms wilting. ($70+, Food52)

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masterclass
MasterClass

An educational membership so she can learn something from someone she admires…

Sign her up for a monthly subscription and boom — the world will be at her fingertips. She can cook with Gordon Ramsay, write a song with Alicia Keys, or do her makeup with Bobbi Brown, all from the comfort of her home. For the mom who has everything already, this will help her expand her horizons in new and interesting ways. ($15+/month, MasterClass)

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weighted-blanket
Amazon

A weighted blanket for cozy nights in…

Make sure her Sunday night set-up is unmatched with this fleece-topped, cotton-lined blanket. It’s filled with glass microbeads for even weight distribution and maximum stress relief. She can bundle up with a nice book and cup of tea, or put it on top of a comforter for soothing sleep. ($79+, Amazon)

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wine
Hall Wines

A bottle of wine for sipping in the bathtub…

If she’s a vino lover, we suggest gifting a bottle that’ll really suit her taste buds. Peruse the site for her favorite grape, or sign her up for a membership. Either way, quality wine will be delivered to her doorstep. The tasting notes and wine facts under each bottle’s description will help you choose the perfect one for her. ($50+, Hall Wines)

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banana-pudding
Magnolia Bakery

A delivery of banana pudding cups to stash away for rainy days…

If she’s seen “Sex and the City,” she knows the episode where Carrie and Miranda enjoy a cupcake outside of Magnolia Bakery. Does she know that’s not all they’re known for? If not, this banana pudding is about to rock her world. The package comes with six individual pudding cups packed with vanilla wafers, banana pieces, and decadent vanilla pudding. ($58/6 pack, Magnolia Bakery)

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headphones
Amazon

A pair of over-the-ear headphones that’ll shut the rest of the world out…

These noise-canceling headphones are the perfect way for her to fully enjoy that podcast, favorite song, and weekly meditation routine. They work via Bluetooth technology, so they’re completely wireless and can connect to her phone or laptop. If she’s ever commuting or traveling by plane, these will completely block out unwanted noise and distractions. We’ve tried them and find them really comfortable, even after hours of wear. ($329, Amazon)

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birkenstocks
Birkenstock

A pair of Birkenstocks that’ll quickly become her favorite house shoes…

It’s the same clog-style Birkenstock she probably wore as a teen but with a plush sherpa-lining. She’ll find herself wearing these around the house, to pilates, and even on a coffee run. They come in a range of sizes, but if she’s in between, we suggest sizing up, especially if she wants to wear them with socks. ($170, Birkenstock)

Buy it
pizza-subscription
Goldbelly

A subscription that will deliver pizza to her every month…

Yes, you read that right. With this subscription, she can try the best pizzas in the country, from Chicago’s infamous deep-dish to Detroit’s pan pizza. You can choose from three or six months, and each box she receives will feed at least four. Hint: invite yourself over. ($89.95+, Goldbelly)

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*This denotes a sponsored section.

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